The Need for Standing Guard in times of Discord and Conflict

During times of discord and conflict, it is necessary for a few people to stand guard. This is also mentioned by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) in relation to the martyrdom of Hazrat Umar (ra). Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“There is a clear command of the Holy Quran that for the safety of the Muslims, half the people ought to remain on guard. Although this has been mentioned in relation to war when a group of people need to be safeguarded; however, from this one can infer that in order to protect against a smaller trial, if a few people stand guard during prayers, then this is not objectionable; rather, this will be a necessary procedure.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further states:

“If in times of war, 500 people out of 1,000 can stand guard, then at times when there is little danger, can five or ten people out of 1,000 not stand guard? To say that there is no active danger is a futile argument.

“What happened with Hazrat Umar (ra)? He was leading the prayers and whilst the other Muslims were also occupied in prayer, a wretched individual thought this to be a perfect opportunity to attack. He stepped forward and struck with his dagger.

“If after this incident, someone says that standing guard during the prayers is contrary to the principles and sanctity of prayer, then such an individual only exposes his own ignorance. The example of such a person is like that of a foolish person who enters a battlefield and when an arrow hits that person, blood begins to pour out, as a result of which he runs away wiping away the blood and saying, ‘O Allah! Please let this be a dream and not really an arrow that has struck me.’ […]

“In history, we find an incident in which the companions did not take the necessary safety precautions, as a result of which they suffered greatly. When Hazrat Amr (ra) bin al-Aas went for the conquest of Egypt and he had conquered the area, when he would lead the prayers, there would be no one on guard. When the enemy saw that during this time [at prayer times], the Muslims are completely oblivious, subsequently they organised a day in which they sent a few hundred men fully armed precisely at a time when the Muslims were in prostration [sajdah]. As soon as they arrived, they began severing the heads of the Muslims. Historical accounts show that on this day, hundreds of companions were either killed or injured. One after another they would fall to the ground and this continued on. The people around them could not comprehend what was going on until the Muslims had suffered greatly.

“When Hazrat Umar (ra) learned of this incident, he admonished them, saying, ‘Were you not aware that you ought to have ensured for guards on patrol?’ But little did Hazrat Umar (ra) know that the same incident would take place with him whilst he would be in Medina. After this incident, the companions ensured that during the prayers, there would always be people on guard.”

(Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 16, pp. 68-69)